AA manifesto highlights interesting points raised by way of populous survey
It’s pretty safe to say that the 2015 election campaign has touched very little upon the country’s roads and the motorists who use them on a daily basis. Now, as a result, the AA has drawn up a motorists’ manifesto to encourage motorists to question parliamentary candidates on driving issues.
Over the past 12 months, an AA-Populus Panel has been busy finding out what the biggest concerns for British motorists are in the lead up to the big election and the results are pretty interesting.
From the AA members surveyed, the three main issues that are of main concern were road maintenance, the costs of motoring and driver behaviour.
Road conditions are of most concern for motorists with annoyances such as potholes, puddles and ponds proving to be of concern when it comes to road safety. Poorly maintained roads cause damage to wheels, rims, shock absorbers and suspensions and the AA, in its manifesto has suggested more funding ring-fenced to improve the state of the roads.
Not surprisingly, fuel costs are another big factor for driver-unrest, despite the recent announcement of a fuel duty freeze. The AA is also calling for full fuel price transparency with published wholesale and retail prices along with the abolition of tolls in England and Wales. Voters with vehicles spend £26.9bn on fuel duty each year, more than what UK firms pay and what is received from council tax.
Though the government can’t be held accountable for drivers’ behaviours, MPs do have an influence on the content of all driving tests and how the roads are policed. The AA claims more police are needed to clamp down on dangerous driving behaviours such as tailgating. Better road safety education in schools is also thought to help.
Edmund King, president of the AA has stated “We will endeavour to do our bit by sounding out all the main political parties on their motoring and transport polices, reminding them that motorists can vote with their wheels. The AA does have influence.
“The AA is apolitical and we understand that elections are not won or lost on motoring issues alone. Health, education and the economy tend to sway the results. However, transport and motoring are key to economic growth in the UK and shouldn’t be side-lined.”
Let us know what you think of what AA research has found. Do you think the AA will be successful in their endeavours this year?
